In February 2013, Habitat for Humanity of Champaign County applied for the funds as a team with the cities of Champaign and Urbana as well as local lenders. Habitat currently partners with these agencies in their community development and neighborhood revitalization initiatives. The Attorney General announced the statewide awards on July 16, 2013 with $2 million awarded to Habitat for Humanity of Champaign County.

The local model of neighborhood renovation and development will occur through a number of programs including promotion of homeownership through lease purchase, down payment, and affordable loan programs. Economic development opportunities will be provided through financial resource programs. Stabilizing the housing stock and creating new housing options to meet the varied demands of the community will be a priority in the targeted neighborhood. Safe, decent and affordable housing is vital to protecting a neighborhood’s quality-of-life.

Through the Attorney General’s grant, Habitat will assist in preserving neighborhood property values, protecting previous investments, and encouraging additional public and private investment in areas identified as those with the greatest need. The total project cost is over $5.2 million dollars with the City of Champaign providing vacant land and acquisition/rehabilitation assistance in targeted north Champaign neighborhoods. Neighborhood Programs will work with Neighborhood Coordination and Code Compliance to identify potential properties and buyers in these areas.